Cedrus deodara 'AUREA'

Cedars are beautiful, architectural trees that attract us with their irregular, monumental crowns, mainly in southern Europe under the Alps. There are 4 species in this genus among which the hardiest are Atlas cedar (blue-green) and Cedar of Lebanon (green).

Deodar – Himalayan cedar is the most graceful of all cedars. It has strictly pyramidal habit when young, spreading branching and weeping ends. Aurea is an extremely attractive variety with golden-yellow to yellow-green needles. They are evergreen, borne in whorls of 20-30. Female cones appear in summer. It grows slower to a much smaller size than the species = about 4-5m when mature so it can easily fit into a mid-sized garden. Older plants form unique shapes.

Golden cedar is demanded mainly in Germany and the Netherlands where colourful foliage has always been top interesting. It is not as hardy as cedar of Lebanon but it proved to grow happily in warmer parts of our country, in zone 6b and 7a without problems. In colder regions the needles and tips of the branches can be damaged by extreme frost but usually regenerate readily in spring.

Grow cedars in full sun, almost any well-drained soil. They are lime tolerant. Pruning is possible at the end of winter, shaping can be carried out in August. Himalayan cedar needs a location sheltered from severe, drying winds in winter. Experienced hardiness to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 20-02-2010; 06-02-2019